Yes, the pre-buds cruise is a two-week session during the summer between junior and senior year. It used to be called mini-buds. It is now known as SOAS, which stands for Seal Officer Assessment and Selection. It is a very competitive process to be selected to attend SOAS, which is by invitation only. A candidate must fill out an application, submit letters of recommendation, and pass the fitness test consisting of a 500-yard swim, push-ups, curl-ups, pull-ups, and a 1.5 mile run. NROTC and Service Academy Midshipmen are assessed together and compete for a BUDS opportunity.